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The SBAC is thrilled to announce an innovative and important program that will support small businesses and revitalize disinvested Chicago communities. Partnering with Allies for Community Business (A4CB), and with support from We Rise Together: For an Equitable & Just Recovery, we have launched a program that will connect the owners of vacant properties with entrepreneurs ready to transition into brick-and-mortar spaces. The program will also provide grants for eligible entrepreneurs aspiring to transition into storefronts or expand their current spaces.
The following neighborhoods will be part of this program: Auburn Gresham, Austin, Back of the Yards, Englewood, Gage Park, North Lawndale, South Lawndale, South Shore, Washington Park, and West Lawn. We will work with local chambers and business organizations to reach eligible entrepreneurs and property owners.
Learn more about the program here!
The Small Business Advocacy Council (SBAC) is gearing up for a crucial visit to the capital on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, as the legislative session commences in our state capital. Building upon the successes of the previous year, we are determined to make significant strides for small businesses in 2024.
Our state agenda for 2024 encompasses several key priorities:
- Property Tax Relief: We aim to advocate for measures that provide much-needed relief in property taxes for small businesses.
- Economic Incentives: We're pushing for the allocation of 50% of economic incentives to small businesses, fostering growth and sustainability within our entrepreneurial community.
- Healthcare Cost Reduction: Addressing the soaring costs of healthcare, particularly in terms of excessive drug costs, is a focal point. Our efforts are directed toward reducing health insurance premiums for small business owners.
- SAFER Communities Act: We are actively working towards the passage of the SAFER Communities Act, which is designed to offer resources to businesses hiring formerly incarcerated individuals. This initiative not only provides opportunities to returning citizens but also contributes to enhancing public safety and reducing recidivism rates.
This highlights some of the work we will be doing in Springfield this session. To learn more about our legislative agenda, visit our Advocacy Initiatives page on our website here.
The best way for the small business community to have a seat at the table is to be in the room! Look for updates from Springfield on our website and social media this Wednesday.
WGN News Highlights Policy Change for Vacant Storefronts
Vacant storefronts litter neighborhood business districts in disinvested communities, causing blight, impacting safety, and depressing economic activity. Because of the negative impact of vacant properties in neighborhoods across the city, a robust coalition of chambers and place-based organizations worked with the Cook County Assessor to put guardrails around a tax break property owners can receive when their property is vacant. Fueled by the support of The Chicago Community Trust, these efforts have resulted in a significant policy change that can reduce vacancies and revitalize neighborhood business districts by transforming vacant spaces into thriving small businesses.
We are thankful to WGN for covering the new policy change. You can watch it here!
We look forward to further advancing policies that support local businesses and commercial corridors.
Proposed Updates to Chicago's Retailer and Food Vendor Rules
The Department of Business and Consumer Affairs (BACP) has published proposed updates to the City of Chicago's Retailer Rules. The Department has also introduced certain rules for food vendors.
BACP is accepting public comments until February 26, 2024, regarding the proposed updates for Retailer Rules and introduced rules for food vendors. Please click here to learn how to make public comments or ask questions.
The only way to have a seat at the table is to be in the room. Be part of the discussion and make your voice heard!
Here is a consolidated list of proposed rules that the SBAC considers important for small businesses. However, please note that this is not an exhaustive list. For a comprehensive view, refer to both the Proposed Updates for Retailer Rules and the Proposed Rules for Food Vendors.
SBAC City of Chicago - Food & Retail Vendor Updates:
Definitions
- Added a 5th item to the section, Consumer commodities do not include ”prepared food and beverages (including liquor), intended for human consumption and which prepared at or consumed at a “restaurant” as defined in these rules.”
- Defines “food vendor” as any establishment required to be licensed whose sales of prepared food to order, or alcohol sold by the drink, or a combination of both comprise at least 90% of the establishment’s annual sales. This includes restaurants, bars/taverns, catering, and mobile food trucks.
- Defines “sale items” as merchandise sold for less than regular price.
- Defines “Sales dates” as the beginning and ending dates of any sales advertisement.
- Defines “Service fee” and “surcharge” as fees charged to pay for services related to the purchase of prepared food and beverages at a food vendor. The charge is typically added at the time of the transaction and covers services rendered to a consumer or administrative and/or processing costs of the food vendor.
Section I. APS – Certification
Rule 1 – Application for Certification
- Under A) added, “Each application must include samples of all the following: the establishment’s sales signs, shelf tags, receipts, return policies, check, debit card, and credit card policies, and media advertisements.”
Rule 9 – APS Certification Application Inspection Fees
- Fee amounts have been omitted. It is unclear if inspections are still subject to fees, and at what cost.
Section II APS – Pricing
Rule 13 – Receipt Requirements
- Adds “The receipt can be offered via paper or electronic methods. Examples of acceptable electronic delivery methods are email, text message, or smartphone applications.
Rule 15 – Shelf Labels
- Changes (A) from a label being required for all items offered for sale to “Unless an exception applies, all items offered for sale placed on a shelf must have a shelf label.”
Adds to Rule 15a: Acceptable shelf labeling includes the use of an “electronic screen” to display items for sale.
- Adds Rule 15d: Allows APS establishments offering non-consumer commodity merchandise (unpackaged fresh produce, very small and inexpensive items, prepared food, and prepared beverages) behind a counter to display a list of products and their prices in lieu of individual shelf tag labels. The sign must be clearly and legibly hand-printed, typewritten, computer-generated, or displayed on an electronic screen and include the name of the item and its selling price.
Rule 16 – Non-Shelved Item Signage
- A non-shelved, end cap, or other type of display sign is no longer excluded from shelf label and unit price requirements.
Section III APS – Inspection Procedures
21 – Inspections Pursuant to Application for Certification or Renewal of Certification
- Adds a new rule by adding a new letter, (B). (B) states, “An establishment must apply to the Commissioner by letter requesting that it be designated a specialty establishment under these rules and in that request must submit documentation sufficient to establish that the establishment’s annual sales of consumer commodities are 10% less of its annual sales.
Designation as a specialty establishment exempts a retail establishment from Rule 5 only.”
Section IV APS - Revocation of Certification; Other Actions
Section V – Non-APS Retailers
Rule 32 – Cash Registers and other non-APS devices
- Adds a new rule that allows for a receipt to be offered physically [paper] or electronically [through e-mail, text message, or smartphone application].
Section VII – BPA Rules
- Changed section title to exclude “(Bisphenol A)” and “regulations.”
Definitions
- Changed to exclude terms “BPA” (Bisphenol A) and “Child Container” and their respective
- Changed language to “BPA” free to include Section 7-28-637(a) of the Municipal Code of Chicago, which defines items that do not include Bisphenol A in their composition.
Rule 44 – Signage
- In (A) Changed to replace term “Child Container” with “Containers” and include Sectionv7-28-637(a) of the Municipal Code of Chicago.
- In i., changed to replace term “Child Container” with “Containers.”
- In ii., changed to replace term “Child Container” with “Containers.”
Section X – Penalties
Rule 50 – Penalties
- Changed to include “Chapters” to enhance concision and clarity.
Section XI – Fees for Inspecting and Sealing
Rule 51 – Fees *Rule 52 in previous version
- Fee for inspecting and sealing scales of a capacity of 6,000 pounds up to 24,000 pounds, each, has decreased from $25.00 to $15.00.
- Fee for inspecting and sealing scales of a capacity of 2,500 pounds up to 6,000 pounds, each, has decreased from $25.00 to $10.00.
- Fee for inspecting and sealing scales of a capacity up to 2,500 pounds, each, have decreased from$25.00 to $5.00.
- Fee for inspecting and sealing hopper scales of the capacity of 0 to 500 pounds, each, has increased from $0.00 to $6.00.
- Fee for inspecting and sealing hopper scales of the capacity of 501 pounds to 2,000 pounds, each, has increased from $0.00 to $14.00.
- Fee for inspecting and sealing hopper scales of the capacity of 2,001 to 10,000 pounds, each, has increased from $0.00 to $34.00.
- Fee for inspecting and sealing hopper scales of the capacity of 10,001 pounds and upwards, each, has increased from $0.00 to $75.00.
- Fee for inspecting and sealing two-bushel, one-bushel, and half-bushel measures, each, has increased from $0.00 to $1.50.
- Fee for inspecting and sealing any other dry measure, each, has increased from $0.00 to $1.50.
- Fee for inspecting and sealing every automatic weighing machine or other similar device of a capacity of less than three tons, used for weighing, each, has increased from $0.00 to $5.00.
- Fee for inspecting and sealing liquids measures of a capacity up to and including five gallons, each, has increased from $0.00 to $2.00.
- Fee for inspecting and sealing liquids measures of a capacity over five gallons, for each five-gallon capacity or part thereof, has increased from $0.00 to $5.00.
- Fee for inspecting and sealing any automatic machines used for measuring liquids, each unit, has increased from $0.00 to $5.00.
- Fee for inspecting and sealing yard measures, each, has increased from $0.00 to $5.00.
- Fee for inspecting and sealing any linear measure, for each three feet, has increased from $0.00to $2.00.
- Fee for inspecting and sealing any tape line exceeding 50 feet in length, has increased from$0.00 to $5.00.
- Fee for inspecting and sealing any automatic machine used for lineal measuring, has increased from $0.00 to $5.00.
- Fee for inspecting and sealing any automatic pump used for measuring gasoline, oils, etc., each, has decreased from $41.00 to $7.00.
- Fee for measuring a quantity of coal or wood and issuing a certificate of approximate measure or weight of same has increased from $0.00 to $14.00.
- Fee for inspecting and sealing gasoline and fuel oil tank trucks, wagons, or trailers of a capacity of 1,000 gallons or less, has increased from $0.00 to $34.00.
- Fee for inspecting and sealing gasoline and fuel tank trucks, wagons, or trailers of a capacity of over 1,000 gallons, for each 500-gallon capacity or part thereof, has increased from $0.00 to $34.00.
- Fee for inspecting and sealing any meter used for measuring gasoline, oils, etc., each, has decreased from $41.00 to $34.00.
- Excluded previously mentioned re-inspection fee of $100.00 [per site], which would be charged in addition to above fees [per device] if any inspected or tested device is condemned or rejected.
Rule 52 – Calculation of Fees *Rule 53 in previous version
- Changed to clarify that Section 4-276-020(b) is a part of the Municipal Code of Chicago.
Section XII – Food Vendor Requirements *Added
Rule 53 – Disclosure of Food Vendor Prices, Service Fees, and Surcharges
- Added that item prices, service fees, and surcharges including credit card fees, split order or bill charge and large group charges must be clearly displayed at the beginning of a customer’s ordering or sales process. Service fees and surcharges must be displayed on all menus, including online menus, restaurant signage, mobile apps and payment.
Rule 54 – Intended use of Food Vendor Services Fees and Surcharges
- Added that wherever service fees and surcharges are listed, their intended use must also be listed and described. Food vendors must explain service fees, surcharges, and their purpose at the request of a consumer. Food vendors must indicate what percentage if any of a service fee or surcharge is a mandatory versus optional charge. Food vendors must indicate what percentage of any service fee or surcharge will be paid to employees in general or specifically waitstaff.
Rule 55 – Food Vendor Receipt Requirements
- Added that a food vendor must always give a customer a receipt. However, the food vendor may offer the customer the option to elect to receive a paper receipt, an electronic receipt, or no receipt at customer's request.
Rule 56 – Food Vendor Price Marking
- Added to include exemptions on food vendor price-marking, instead requiring that “to-go "sections and non-consumer commodity merchandise vendors offer clear and legible signage. Underlines use of hand printed, typewritten, computer-generated, or electronically displayed posting. At minimum, it must include the name of the item and selling price.
The Debate Over The Chicago Real Estate Transfer Tax
Chicago is a tremendous city with a proud tradition. Our great city, however, faces multiple challenges, including persistent economic headwinds and an increase in homelessness. Economic development and enacting programs to alleviate homelessness are crucial. There are different philosophies about how to move Chicago forward, and an important vote is coming.
The enactment of a real estate transfer tax is on the ballot in March. This ballot initiative would create a graduated real estate transfer tax, which is paid by buyers who purchase commercial buildings or homes. Chicago currently has a 0.75% one-time tax on all estate sales. If passed, the ballot initiative does the following:
- Reduces the transfer tax for property sales under $1 million to 0.6%.
- Increases the transfer tax to 2.0% on the portion of property sales between $1 million to $1.5 million.
- Increases the transfer tax to 3.0% on the portion of property sales over 1.5 million, while maintaining the rates above.
Arguments Against the Ballot Initiative: These arguments have been raised by opponents of changing the real estate transfer tax:
- This proposal will hurt homeowners, renters, union workers, and businesses throughout the city.
- Chicago's businesses already struggle with the highest commercial property taxes in the country. Quadrupling transfer taxes will reduce investment and downtown property tax revenue, which the neighborhoods will make up for with higher property taxes.
- This tax will increase the development cost of all housing—including affordable housing—and worsen Chicago's housing shortage.
- Combined with high-interest rates and rising property taxes, it will cause commercial and residential rents to go up and make housing more expensive.
- A yes vote would give the City a blank check with no accountability for spending, even as it has failed to transparently manage the migrant shelter crisis.
Arguments for the Ballot Initiative: These arguments have been made by supporters of changing the Chicago real estate transfer tax:
- Most purchases will have less transfer taxes.
- Proponents estimate that 100 million dollars of revenue will be raised to alleviate homelessness.
- Funds will be spent primarily on building, rehabbing, or subsidizing permanent housing with wraparound services such as support with health, mental health, job training, and education. Permanent housing with supportive services is a model that is proven to end homelessness.
- Rents will not increase because should the initiative pass, any concerns about increased rents are overstated.
- The city has spent or dedicated all funds for homelessness, but some programs have a longer lead time, so it appears that funds are still unspent.
Additional arguments in favor of this ballot initiative can be found here: Bring Chicago Home FAQ
Additional arguments opposing this ballot initiative can be found here: www.protectchicagohomes.com
We are glad to put you in touch with advocates on both sides of this issue. Contact us at emma@sbacil.org with questions!
We're thrilled to announce the official launch of the Chamber Relief Grant Program by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). The program aims to provide vital support to chambers of commerce dedicated to uplifting small businesses and local communities.
DCEO announced the launch of the chamber relief grant program, along with opening applications for the program. To access the application and gather more details, check out our official press release HERE.
DCEO will also be hosting a statewide information kick-off session on January 18th from 10:00-10:30. Information regarding this webinar is also contained in that first link on the press release.
Thank you all for your partnership and engagement as we worked to bring this to fruition. We are thankful this program will support the chambers of commerce that support small businesses and local communities!
Insights
Helpful Resources:
View the English webinar on Chicago’s Paid Leave and Paid Sick and Safe Leave Ordinance HERE.
View the Spanish webinar on Chicago’s Paid Leave and Paid Sick and Safe Leave Ordinance HERE.
The City Council has passed an amendment that delays implementation of the recently passed PTO ordinance until July 1st, 2024. This delay was championed by a robust group of local chambers and business organizations concerned that many small businesses would be unable to comply with the mandates of the ordinance by the end of the year. This delay is critical so that small businesses have the time to understand and adhere to the requirements in the ordinance.
The amendment also provides a cure period for private causes of action, although it does not address notice or excessive penalties, and expires on July 1, 2026. We will continue advocating for improvements to the cure period in 2024.
We are thankful for everyone that reached out to their alderperson and asked for time before the PTO ordinance was implemented. Your voice and engagement mattered!
The SBAC continues to formulate its state legislative agenda and that should be released shortly!
As always, feel free to reach out with any questions!
Insights
Insights Archive
What Chicago Retailers Should Know About The Kiosk Ordinance
SBAC INSIGHTS PAGE An ordinance has been filed which will impose a tax on retailers that use automated self-checkout kiosks. This ordinance taxes retailers $20,000.00 for each automated self-checkout kiosk operated at their establishment. The burden for paying this tax cannot be shifted onto customers. There are record-keeping requirements and other rules set forth by…
The Health Insurance Protection Act: What Small Business Owners Should Know About the Bill
Download PDF here SBAC INSIGHTS PAGE SBAC INSIGHTS PAGE
Small Business Economic Impact Analysis Template
Small Business Economic Impact Analysis Template Rule change: ______________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ NAICS 2-digit codes of small businesses being impacted: ___________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Estimated number of small businesses being impacted: _____________________________________________________ List how the rule will impact the following categories for a small business: Hiring and staffing: _____________________________________________________________________________________ …
SBAC Updates
Insights
THANK YOU for attending our Rebound on the Rooftop on May 11, 2022!!
It was such a beautiful evening, the weather was PERFECT, and we are so glad we got to see so many of you in person again! If you weren't able to make it, we missed you! And we hope we'll see you soon at another event!
And thank you to A Safe Haven for their partnership and for their amazing catering services!
In the meantime, check out the photos HERE or--->>>>
ENJOY!!
Insights Archive
What Chicago Retailers Should Know About The Kiosk Ordinance
SBAC INSIGHTS PAGE An ordinance has been filed which will impose a tax on retailers that use automated self-checkout kiosks. This ordinance taxes retailers $20,000.00 for each automated self-checkout kiosk operated at their establishment. The burden for paying this tax cannot be shifted onto customers. There are record-keeping requirements and other rules set forth by…
The Health Insurance Protection Act: What Small Business Owners Should Know About the Bill
Download PDF here SBAC INSIGHTS PAGE SBAC INSIGHTS PAGE
Small Business Economic Impact Analysis Template
Small Business Economic Impact Analysis Template Rule change: ______________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ NAICS 2-digit codes of small businesses being impacted: ___________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Estimated number of small businesses being impacted: _____________________________________________________ List how the rule will impact the following categories for a small business: Hiring and staffing: _____________________________________________________________________________________ …
SBAC Empower partners with Logan Square Chamber of Commerce to present a Q&A session on Zoning, Real Estate and Funding aimed at small business owners looking to open a new business in the city of Chicago.
Click on the Video to open in YouTube and jump to specific answers to questions asked.
Insights Archive
What Chicago Retailers Should Know About The Kiosk Ordinance
SBAC INSIGHTS PAGE An ordinance has been filed which will impose a tax on retailers that use automated self-checkout kiosks. This ordinance taxes retailers $20,000.00 for each automated self-checkout kiosk operated at their establishment. The burden for paying this tax cannot be shifted onto customers. There are record-keeping requirements and other rules set forth by…
The Health Insurance Protection Act: What Small Business Owners Should Know About the Bill
Download PDF here SBAC INSIGHTS PAGE SBAC INSIGHTS PAGE
Small Business Economic Impact Analysis Template
Small Business Economic Impact Analysis Template Rule change: ______________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ NAICS 2-digit codes of small businesses being impacted: ___________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Estimated number of small businesses being impacted: _____________________________________________________ List how the rule will impact the following categories for a small business: Hiring and staffing: _____________________________________________________________________________________ …
Insights
The SBAC hosted a meet the candidate series for the republican candidates running for Illinois Governor. You can listen to the discussions here!
Mayor Richard Irvin
Senator Paul Schimpf
Max Solomon
Jesse Sullivan
Gary Rabine
Senator Darren Bailey
The primaries will be held on June 28th.
Insights Archive
What Chicago Retailers Should Know About The Kiosk Ordinance
SBAC INSIGHTS PAGE An ordinance has been filed which will impose a tax on retailers that use automated self-checkout kiosks. This ordinance taxes retailers $20,000.00 for each automated self-checkout kiosk operated at their establishment. The burden for paying this tax cannot be shifted onto customers. There are record-keeping requirements and other rules set forth by…
The Health Insurance Protection Act: What Small Business Owners Should Know About the Bill
Download PDF here SBAC INSIGHTS PAGE SBAC INSIGHTS PAGE
Small Business Economic Impact Analysis Template
Small Business Economic Impact Analysis Template Rule change: ______________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ NAICS 2-digit codes of small businesses being impacted: ___________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Estimated number of small businesses being impacted: _____________________________________________________ List how the rule will impact the following categories for a small business: Hiring and staffing: _____________________________________________________________________________________ …
Insights
Thank you State Representative Brady, City Clerk Anna Valencia, and Alderman David Moore for joining us last week at our Illinois Secretary of State Candidate's Forum! The Secretary of State’s office provides important services to small businesses and can help improve the confidence the small business community has in our government. Hear opening statements from these candidates above or watch on YouTube for timestamps of specific questions!
Insights Archive
What Chicago Retailers Should Know About The Kiosk Ordinance
SBAC INSIGHTS PAGE An ordinance has been filed which will impose a tax on retailers that use automated self-checkout kiosks. This ordinance taxes retailers $20,000.00 for each automated self-checkout kiosk operated at their establishment. The burden for paying this tax cannot be shifted onto customers. There are record-keeping requirements and other rules set forth by…
The Health Insurance Protection Act: What Small Business Owners Should Know About the Bill
Download PDF here SBAC INSIGHTS PAGE SBAC INSIGHTS PAGE
Small Business Economic Impact Analysis Template
Small Business Economic Impact Analysis Template Rule change: ______________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ NAICS 2-digit codes of small businesses being impacted: ___________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Estimated number of small businesses being impacted: _____________________________________________________ List how the rule will impact the following categories for a small business: Hiring and staffing: _____________________________________________________________________________________ …
Insights
SBAC Presents: Cook County Assessor Candidate Forum 2022
The SBAC and a robust number of business organizations held a candidate forum for Cook County Assessor. You can watch the forum and hear from Cook County Assessor Friz Kaegi, Commissioner Kari Steele and Mr. Tsatsoulis the individuals running for Cook County Assessor here!
We have marked specific Q&A for your convenience!
3:20 - Introductions
16:40 - How will you support small businesses in local communities, so they can foster economic development in local communities and create jobs?
23:49 - How would you make the process of assessing properties more transparent than it already is?
30:58 - How would you strike a balance between providing needed relief for property owners struggling because of vacancy, but not reward property owners than consistently take vacancy reductions and don't attempt to lease, sell or repair their property?
39:02 - What role do you believe the assessor's office has in incentivizing property owners to lease their spaces and to get small business owners into vacant properties?
44:00 - How the modernization of the Cook County Assessor's office has been going, and how can we move modernization efforts moving forward?
51:09 - How closely have you worked with state legislators and how is that important for the cook county assessor to be successful?
56:20 - What forms have been made in terms of ethics and what plans do you have in the future to address ethics in the office?
1:03:36 - If you were talking to a small business owner and they were concerned about property taxes, what would you tell them to expect if you were elected Cook County Assessor?
1:10:33 - Closing Statements
Insights Archive
What Chicago Retailers Should Know About The Kiosk Ordinance
SBAC INSIGHTS PAGE An ordinance has been filed which will impose a tax on retailers that use automated self-checkout kiosks. This ordinance taxes retailers $20,000.00 for each automated self-checkout kiosk operated at their establishment. The burden for paying this tax cannot be shifted onto customers. There are record-keeping requirements and other rules set forth by…
The Health Insurance Protection Act: What Small Business Owners Should Know About the Bill
Download PDF here SBAC INSIGHTS PAGE SBAC INSIGHTS PAGE
Small Business Economic Impact Analysis Template
Small Business Economic Impact Analysis Template Rule change: ______________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ NAICS 2-digit codes of small businesses being impacted: ___________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Estimated number of small businesses being impacted: _____________________________________________________ List how the rule will impact the following categories for a small business: Hiring and staffing: _____________________________________________________________________________________ …
Insights
IT'S OFFICIAL! WE'RE GOING GOLFING!
We are thrilled to announce that registration for the 13th Annual SBAC Golf Outing is NOW OPEN! The annual golf outing is a chance to relax and have fun with fellow SBAC members and guests! And it's in-person! So invite your golf buddies and join us on Wednesday, June 29, 2022 for a 10am shotgun start at White Deer Run Golf Club.
Don't miss out on your opportunity to participate! Our Early Bird Special is available now until May 1st ONLY. Click here to register today!
Interested in our sponsorship opportunities? Check out our sponsorship packages here and contact us at 312-548-8608 or email patti@sbacil.org.
Insights Archive
What Chicago Retailers Should Know About The Kiosk Ordinance
SBAC INSIGHTS PAGE An ordinance has been filed which will impose a tax on retailers that use automated self-checkout kiosks. This ordinance taxes retailers $20,000.00 for each automated self-checkout kiosk operated at their establishment. The burden for paying this tax cannot be shifted onto customers. There are record-keeping requirements and other rules set forth by…
The Health Insurance Protection Act: What Small Business Owners Should Know About the Bill
Download PDF here SBAC INSIGHTS PAGE SBAC INSIGHTS PAGE
Small Business Economic Impact Analysis Template
Small Business Economic Impact Analysis Template Rule change: ______________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ NAICS 2-digit codes of small businesses being impacted: ___________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Estimated number of small businesses being impacted: _____________________________________________________ List how the rule will impact the following categories for a small business: Hiring and staffing: _____________________________________________________________________________________ …
Insights
The last two weeks have provided a rollercoaster ride for employers as they grapple with the resurrection of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA’s) Emergency Temporary Standard (“ETS”) by the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, updated guidance from OSHA on the testing protocols under the ETS and new CDC guidance shortening quarantine periods.
Employers should be cognizant of how OSHA’s recent ETS guidance and the CDC’s newly revised quarantine and isolation recommendations affect operations.
This post was originally published on www.saul.com.
Insights Archive
What Chicago Retailers Should Know About The Kiosk Ordinance
SBAC INSIGHTS PAGE An ordinance has been filed which will impose a tax on retailers that use automated self-checkout kiosks. This ordinance taxes retailers $20,000.00 for each automated self-checkout kiosk operated at their establishment. The burden for paying this tax cannot be shifted onto customers. There are record-keeping requirements and other rules set forth by…
The Health Insurance Protection Act: What Small Business Owners Should Know About the Bill
Download PDF here SBAC INSIGHTS PAGE SBAC INSIGHTS PAGE
Small Business Economic Impact Analysis Template
Small Business Economic Impact Analysis Template Rule change: ______________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ NAICS 2-digit codes of small businesses being impacted: ___________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Estimated number of small businesses being impacted: _____________________________________________________ List how the rule will impact the following categories for a small business: Hiring and staffing: _____________________________________________________________________________________ …
Insights
Baking Good Legislation
On August 27, Governor Pritzker signed into law the Home-to-Market Act. The Home-to-Market Act allows producers of home-based food products to sell their goods directly to customers. This new law goes into effect on January 1, 2022. This will foster the growth of home-based entrepreneurs, known as the cottage food businesses.
Prior to the passage of the Home-to-Market Act, cottage food producers were only allowed to sell their products at farmer's markets. They were prohibited from selling at fairs or festivals, and online. Compared to other states, Illinois has one of the most restrictive regulations governing the cottage food industry. This new act will open the door for a vast increase in sales and provide cottage producers the opportunity to start or grow their businesses. The Home-to-Market Act comes at the perfect time as many of these home-based food businesses and farms were hit hard by the pandemic. During the pandemic, many farmer's markets delayed their openings, leaving cottage food producers unable to sell their products. The new bill will especially benefit women-owned businesses, as 77% of cottage food businesses are owned by women.
The SBAC is a strong advocate for home-based businesses. Check out our most recent win regarding HBBs.
Insights Archive
What Chicago Retailers Should Know About The Kiosk Ordinance
SBAC INSIGHTS PAGE An ordinance has been filed which will impose a tax on retailers that use automated self-checkout kiosks. This ordinance taxes retailers $20,000.00 for each automated self-checkout kiosk operated at their establishment. The burden for paying this tax cannot be shifted onto customers. There are record-keeping requirements and other rules set forth by…
The Health Insurance Protection Act: What Small Business Owners Should Know About the Bill
Download PDF here SBAC INSIGHTS PAGE SBAC INSIGHTS PAGE
Small Business Economic Impact Analysis Template
Small Business Economic Impact Analysis Template Rule change: ______________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ NAICS 2-digit codes of small businesses being impacted: ___________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Estimated number of small businesses being impacted: _____________________________________________________ List how the rule will impact the following categories for a small business: Hiring and staffing: _____________________________________________________________________________________ …
Insights
Thank you to all who came out to celebrate the SBAC on August 18th, 2021 at Cog Hill. We all had a great time. Miss it? Or just want to relive some memories?
Take a gander at our lovely Digital booklet highlighting our volunteers and sponsors.
AND - Check out our FB page for all the pictures from the outing.
Enjoy and see you next year!
Insights Archive
What Chicago Retailers Should Know About The Kiosk Ordinance
SBAC INSIGHTS PAGE An ordinance has been filed which will impose a tax on retailers that use automated self-checkout kiosks. This ordinance taxes retailers $20,000.00 for each automated self-checkout kiosk operated at their establishment. The burden for paying this tax cannot be shifted onto customers. There are record-keeping requirements and other rules set forth by…
The Health Insurance Protection Act: What Small Business Owners Should Know About the Bill
Download PDF here SBAC INSIGHTS PAGE SBAC INSIGHTS PAGE
Small Business Economic Impact Analysis Template
Small Business Economic Impact Analysis Template Rule change: ______________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ NAICS 2-digit codes of small businesses being impacted: ___________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Estimated number of small businesses being impacted: _____________________________________________________ List how the rule will impact the following categories for a small business: Hiring and staffing: _____________________________________________________________________________________ …
Insights
Elliot Richardson, co-founder and president of the Small Business Advocacy Council, joins Anna Davlantes to talk about how small businesses are being impacted by the Delta variant and COVID-19 cases rising around the country. Has there been enough support to keep our small businesses running throughout the pandemic?
Read more and Listen by clicking on this link: SBAC in the News - Small Business Advocacy Council | SBAC
Insights Archive
What Chicago Retailers Should Know About The Kiosk Ordinance
SBAC INSIGHTS PAGE An ordinance has been filed which will impose a tax on retailers that use automated self-checkout kiosks. This ordinance taxes retailers $20,000.00 for each automated self-checkout kiosk operated at their establishment. The burden for paying this tax cannot be shifted onto customers. There are record-keeping requirements and other rules set forth by…
The Health Insurance Protection Act: What Small Business Owners Should Know About the Bill
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Small Business Economic Impact Analysis Template
Small Business Economic Impact Analysis Template Rule change: ______________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ NAICS 2-digit codes of small businesses being impacted: ___________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Estimated number of small businesses being impacted: _____________________________________________________ List how the rule will impact the following categories for a small business: Hiring and staffing: _____________________________________________________________________________________ …